glucose-responsive insulin nanopolymer

The glucose-responsive insulin nanopolymer is a preclinical-stage, biocompatible, and biodegradable drug delivery system designed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus [922]. Developed by researchers at Monash University, RMIT University, and the University of Melbourne, the platform utilizes charge-switchable phytoglycogen nanoparticles ('nanosugars') functionalized with glucose-sensitive phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups and amine moieties. These nanoparticles form electrostatic nanocomplexes with insulin. In the presence of elevated blood glucose levels, glucose binds to the PBA groups, forming phenylborate esters and shifting the nanoparticle's charge, which triggers the rapid and controlled release of insulin. Preclinical studies in diabetic mouse models have demonstrated that a single subcutaneous injection can sustain normoglycemia for several days, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and potentially offering kidney protection [922].

Other names

artificial pancreas nanosugarcharge-switchable phytoglycogen-insulin nanocomplexengineered nanosugar-insulin nanocomplexphytoglycogen-insulin nanocomplex